Taliban's Omar orders execution of foreign hostages

[ECH1969]

Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar has ordered the execution of four foreigners -- described as three Albanians and a German -- kidnapped in southern Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman said.

Omar's order was read by telephone late on Sunday to a Reuters reporter at the border town of Spin Boldak, in Kandahar province.

"These people had come to Afghanistan at America's behest, therefore they should be sentenced to death," Taliban spokesman Qari Mohammad Yousuf quoted the order as saying.

Earlier on Sunday, Yousuf had said four Albanians and four Afghans were being held.

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